Matthew 27

Jesus Before Pilate

11Jesus stood before the governor, who asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You say so.” 12When the chief priests and elders accused him, he gave no answer. 13Then Pilate asked him, “Do you not hear how much they are testifying against you?” 14But Jesus did not answer him even a single word, to the governor’s great amazement.

Barabbas or Jesus

15At the festival, the governor customarily released one prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Jesus Barabbas. 17So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ?” 18For he knew they had handed Jesus over out of envy. 19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I have suffered greatly today in a dream because of him.” 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. 21The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas,” they replied. 22Pilate asked, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23“Why?” he asked. “What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Let him be crucified!”

24Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was beginning. He took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this blood,” he said. “That is your concern.” 25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26Then he released Barabbas for them. After having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.